When you’re ready… here’s a fab instruction on creating controlled highlights with complete toning. Perfect for your New Year’s resolution to upskill!
Join us step-by-step: Highlighting joy
Hairdresser Sonia Jiménez Cambronero has this suggestion and we love the outcome.
Sonia tells us: “Achieving truly perfect highlights is an art that blends technique, knowledge, and sensitivity. Each section, each fine weave, and each tone builds a colour full of light, movement, and harmony. The goal is not only to lighten, but to transform the hair while respecting its structure and enhancing its natural beauty.
“In this process, every step matters and every detail makes the difference. For me, perfect highlights aren’t about speed, but precision. The key is to listen to the hair, work calmly, and trust the process. When technique aligns with intention, the result is always extraordinary.”
Technical highlights service
This procedure describes a technical highlights service using fine weaves (babylights and controlled sections) designed to achieve even lift, progressive luminosity, and a polished final result through root shadowing and global toning.
1/ Start of the Application:
Place fine highlights in the lower area. The objective is to create a soft and even base of lightening in the nape area.
Essential procedure:
- Create a horizontal section at the lower nape.
- Elevate the section to 90º from the scalp.
- Take fine highlights with a precision tail comb, leaving uniform see-through sections.
- Place thermal foil underneath and apply lightener to mid-lengths and ends.
- Ensure correct saturation and seal the foil.
2/ General Foil Placement:
Here, the objective is to build a balanced pattern that achieves harmonious and progressive lightening.
Distribution:
- Lower and middle zones: full panels with thermal foils for controlled lightening.
- Sides: diagonal-back sections to create a soft, natural contour.
- Top area: fine babylights to blend the root area without harsh lines.
Key point: Combine full sections and babylights, ensuring clean saturation and alignment to obtain an even lift.
3/Lightening Control Phase
What you’re doing is you must check and even out product performance to avoid banding or uneven lift.
Technical control
- Gently open the foil to assess the underlying pigment (ideal: pale yellow level 9–10).
- Lightly massage the product through mid-lengths and ends to reactivate the process and improve uniformity.
- Check every 5–10 minutes depending on hair type and developer strength.
4/Post-Lightening and Treatment
Technical wash: Wash with an acidic pH shampoo to neutralise alkaline residues and support cuticle closure.
Reconstructive treatment
Apply a nourishing formula rich in amino acids, hydrolysed proteins, and moisturising agents. Work section by section, applying from mid-lengths to ends and leave on for 5–10 minutes.
5/ Root Toner / Root Shadow
Your objective here is to create a smooth transition between the natural root and the lightened areas, adding depth and a polished finish.
Application
- On damp hair, apply an acidic colour to the root area.
- Blend it into the mid-lengths using fingers or a comb for a seamless gradient.
- Processing time: 10–15 minutes depending on the desired pigment intensity.
Result: A softened root with added depth and perfect integration with the rest of the colour.
6/Global Toning on Mid-lengths and Ends
Objective
Neutralise remaining yellow or warm tones and unify the overall colour.
Procedure
- Apply acidic or demi-permanent colour (1:2 mixing ratio with a gentle developer).
- Work through mid-lengths and ends, massaging to ensure even distribution.
- Process for 5–10 minutes, visually controlling the tone.
Function: Neutralises unwanted undertones, adds shine and chromatic harmony, and helps seal the cuticle after the lightening process.
Result!
You’ve added to your skill set – and the results are stunning. Thanks to Highlighting joy: Sonia Jiménez Cambronero
Credit due
Peluquería & Foto, Hair & Photo : Sonia Jiménez Cambronero @soniacambronero
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